Sorry, we can't show this content as your browser does not support iframes.

Camera IconBRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Jason Davidson of the Glory passes the ball during the round 11 A-League match between the Brisbane Roar and the Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Topics

Perth Glory defender Jason Davidson’s mental strength and appetite for hard work have reignited his hopes of a return to the national set-up.

Davidson has been a key in Glory’s table-topping run, playing all 13 games and coming off the bench to help spark Sunday’s 4-3 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

It was the first time Davidson had not played the full 90 minutes.

He is expected to feature in Saturday’s clash with Melbourne City at AAMI Park as coach Tony Popovic rotates his players in a heavy schedule.

But it could have been a very different story.

A hairline fracture was discovered in his back when he joined West Bromwich Albion after an impressive 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “It was a bit of a shock being told but I tried not to make a big issue of it,” said Davidson, who has 22 Socceroos caps.

“It’s something that I’ve had from young apparently. I don’t even know where it is. It has been a test of my mental side at times, but it’s important to be strong mentally to keep going.

“I just try to focus on the positive side and keep the negative stuff out of my head.”

WBA retained Davidson despite the injury but after a couple of games he moved to Huddersfield. He was also with Groningen before signing for Glory from Croatian side Rijeka where he was on loan in Slovenia at Olimpija Ljublijana.

Davidson has dropped 5kg under the tough Popovic regime.

“I came to Perth to get back to a level where I needed to be. I thought Tony was the best coach to give me the opportunity to get back in the national team,” he said.

“It’s been fantastic to feel fresh and fit again. It’s enjoyable to play with a smile on my face, be happy and enjoy my football.

“Every player should have the ambition to play for their country. I’ve been fortunate enough to have tasted that and it’s something I aspire to again.”